I was quite surprised to see a guest commentary from District 1 supervisor candidate Ken Berry in the Ledger Dispatch on Tuesday, May 6 ("A Sweet deal"). I was even more surprised by my editor's decision to publish the piece. As many of you know, I do not actually see every item before it gets published. Still, I am held responsible and accept that role, even when I disagree with decisions of staff.

I feel compelled to say the staff at the Ledger Dispatch is a dedicated group that deserves better than what they receive. Still, it doesn't mean I agree or even enjoy every piece they author. However, the variety of viewpoints and decisions are what make life more interesting. Indeed, they assist in solidifying my own beliefs and sometimes offer a new point of view or perspective that I had not considered.

Before the Ledger Dispatch gets inundated with calls from political candidates hopeful to fill the editorial page with their own advertisement, as Berry did, it should be shared that, with regard to your campaign to get elected to office, I will not allow candidates to publish their agendas or platforms on the editorial page. Buy an advertisement. Or, when interviewed by the news staff, share them at that time. This page is off limits to candidates at this time.

More to the point, with regard to Berry's commentary, he mentions that elected officials should base their decisions on true facts and for the best interests of the whole community. I think his commentary spoke volumes about the fact that Berry has no interest in following through with those ideals. In fact, he is totally looking out for his own best interests and is willing to slander anyone to move his own personal agenda forward.

In case you missed it, there has never been a court case against Keith Sweet for fraud. In fact, Sweet's motivation and the motivation of the entire Jackson City Council at the time was to get affordable housing built for our community.

You were against the project, Mr. Berry. You didn't like the location, the design or the fact that it didn't meet with your elitist views.

Now don't worry Mr. Berry, I get it. Jackson Councilman Andy Rodriguez pointed out some of your flaws in a guest commentary he authored and, in true political fashion, you decided to run a smear campaign. Using the names of Sweet, Tom Blackman, Coldwell Banker and the Kennedy Meadows developer that is one of a small group that has actually provided affordable housing for our area, you hoped to turn the spotlight off of your shortcomings and push blame and outrage elsewhere. Sadly, the Ledger Dispatch published your dribble; and thankfully we have this publication to apologize to those of you smeared by Berry and let them know the paper takes notice of the error.

On the positive side, Berry's commentary is a fine example of why he is unfit for the office he is running for. In fact, I think it shows an elitist attitude that is a problem for a small group of loudmouths in the community. When casting a vote for District 1 supervisor, I'd suggest anyone but Berry.